Bangladesh Cyclone Relief Rehabilitation Project

SCI-Bangladesh and SCI-Japan have built a close relationship since the relief activities that took place after the cyclone disaster in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1970. The links were revitalised in response to the devastation caused to Bangladesh in 2008 by Cyclone SIDR.

SCI Japan initiated a competition to design a cyclone shelter. 36 design proposals were received from entrants including professional architects and architecture students in Japan, the USA, China, Poland, Bangladesh, and Australia. All submitted drawings have now been reviewed by the juries and five winning designs have been selected. All the entries can be seen on the competition website. The 5 winning designers are required to visit the site to verify the actual local conditions and requirements before finalising their designs. They are also expected to experience the local style of living just as SCI volunteers do in long term projects or in workcamps to get more familiar with local condition.

SCI Japan express their gratitude to all designer teams for their efforts and professional proposals considering local conditions, environment and effectiveness how the building serves as a shelter.

At the beginning of April 2011, IVP received the following message from Paull Mikatoa, one of the 5 winning designers:

Hi, Just to let you know that I'm one of the finalists who just got back last night (Monday 28/03/2011) from the site visit in Bangladesh. Even though I'm a NZ citizen I've been living in Melbourne for the last 6 yrs and represented Australia and NZ while in Bangladesh. I just want to let you and your fellow SCI members know how it was an awesome experience and SCI Bangladesh & SCI Japan and the Bangladesh people have been excellent hosts. Looking forward to stage II submission.

Congratulations Paull!